Newbie question

[K.G.K.]

Hello, I am new to reefing through my son, who bought a 20-gallon nano but immediately decided he wanted a larger setup. I bought his, and it was almost fully cycled when I set it up. I finished the cycle and now have added two clowns. I am excited to learn and also add some coral and clean up's.

I currently only check for PH, Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates. Temp stays around 78. The Ph is normal range. Ammonia and nitrites stay 0 and my Nitrates also read close to zero. I have had two clowns for a week now with little to no change in nitrate levels. Is this normal? They seem very active and healthy. What should I add next?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

As long as your ammonia and nitrites are zero but you have at least some detectable nitrates, it is fine. I would upgrade to some better test kits, sounds like you are using API. API kits are known for not being accurate test kits

 

[K.G.K.]

As long as your ammonia and nitrites are zero but you have at least some detectable nitrates, it is fine. I would upgrade to some better test kits, sounds like you are using API. API kits are known for not being accurate test kits

Yes, API. Can you recommend a better testing kit?

 

[Biokabe]

Yes, API. Can you recommend a better testing kit?

There's a range of better ones.

Salifert makes pretty decent kits that don't break the bank. There's also Nyos, Aquaforest, Red Sea and Marine Lab. But I'd start with Salifert, as they're usually easier to find and cheaper while still being good.

Higher up the pay scale (though still not terribly expensive, long-term) are the Hanna testers. If you're not great at picking out color differences, they're a godsend. The biggest downside to them is mostly just the cost.

 

[K.G.K.]

Huge thanks!